Clinical aspects of co-infection by HIV and syphilis in pregnancy and exposure in newborn intended at Pediatric Hospital of Santa Catarina / Aspectos clínicos da coinfecção por HIV e sífilis na gestação e da exposição de recém-nascidos atendidos em Hospital Pediátrico de Santa Catarina

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections frequently affect pregnant women and, consequently, newborns. HIV and syphilis are vertically transmitted to children and co-infection requires special attention due to its clinical implications. Objective: To describe clinical aspects of HIV/syphilis coinfection during pregnancy and the exposure of newborns to infections treated at a pediatric reference hospital in Santa Catarina between 2015 and 2020. Methods: Observational, descriptive study, secondary to a line of research "Epidemiological description of children exposed to HIV" from January 2015 to December 2020 in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Santa Catarina. Results: 678 medical records were analyzed with ICD Z.206 (contact with and exposure to HIV), in which 71 (10.5%) newborns were exposed to HIV and Syphilis co-infection. Of these, 37 (52.1%) were male, 14 (19.7%) confirmed a diagnosis of HIV and 30 (42.2%) of congenital syphilis. Of the co-infected pregnant women, 38 (53.5%) were diagnosed with HIV prior to pregnancy, 53 (74.6%) used ART and 40 (52.1%) used harmful substances. Furthermore, 34 (46.4%) pregnant women had a minimum number of 6 prenatal consultations, 35 (49.3%) had vaginal births and 29 (40.8%) had undetectable HIV RNA quantification at the time of delivery. HIV prophylaxis for newborns occurred in 66 (92.9%) of cases. Conclusion: It is concluded that the studied population was mostly made up of pregnant women who were diagnosed with HIV infection prior to pregnancy. Of these, the majority were using ART, but the minority carried out the minimum number of consultations recommended by the Ministry of Health. Regarding newborns, the majority received HIV prophylaxis. (AU)

Introdução: As infecções sexualmente transmissíveis afetam frequentemente gestantes e, consequentemente, os recém-nascidos (RN). O vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e a sífilis são transmitidos verticalmente para as crianças e a coinfecção requer atenção especial por suas implicações clínicas. Objetivo: Descrever aspectos clínicos da coinfecção HIV/sífilis na gestação e da exposição de RN às infecções atendidos em um hospital de referência pediátrica em Santa Catarina entre 2015 e 2020. Métodos: Estudo observacional, descritivo, secundário à linha de pesquisa "Descrição epidemiológica de crianças expostas ao HIV" no período de janeiro de 2015 a dezembro de 2020, em um hospital pediátrico terciário de Santa Catarina. Resultados: Foram analisados 678 prontuários com Classificação Internacional de Doenças ­ CID Z.206 (contato com e exposição ao HIV), nos quais 71 (10,5%) RN foram expostos à coinfecção HIV e sífilis. Destes, 37 (52,1%) eram do sexo masculino, 14 (19,7%) confirmaram diagnóstico de HIV e 30 (42,2%) de sífilis congênita. Das gestantes coinfectadas, 38 (53,5%) possuíam diagnóstico do HIV prévio à gestação, 53 (74,6%) usaram terapia antirretroviral (TARV) e 40 (52,1%) utilizaram substâncias nocivas. Ainda, 34 (46,4%) gestantes obtiveram o número mínimo de seis consultas pré-natais, 35 (49,3%) realizaram partos vaginais e 29 (40,8%) possuíam quantificação RNA-HIV não detectável no momento do parto. A profilaxia para o HIV do RN ocorreu em 66 (92,9%) dos casos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a população estudada foi formada, na sua maioria, por gestantes que receberam o diagnóstico de infecção pelo vírus do HIV prévio à gestação. Destas, a maioria estava em uso de TARV, porém a minoria realizou o número mínimo de consultas preconizadas pelo Ministério da Saúde. Com relação aos RN, a maioria recebeu profilaxia ao HIV. (AU)

Avaliação normativa do atendimento obstétrico emergencial na prevenção da COVID-19 / Evaluación normativa de la asistencia obstétrica de emergencia en la prevención de COVID-19 / Normative evaluation of emergency obstetric care in the prevention of COVID-19

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a estrutura e o fluxo assistencial do acolhimento - classificação de risco e emergência obstétrica em uma maternidade pública no contexto da COVID-19. Métodos Estudo do tipo avaliação normativa e observacional nos setores de Acolhimento (Classificação de Risco e Emergência Obstétrica) de uma maternidade pública no Rio de Janeiro. A coleta de dados foi realizada de junho a agosto de 2020 por 480 horas de observação direta não participante, com registros sistematizados em checklist contendo variáveis relacionadas à disponibilidade e conformidade dos recursos estruturais, e à conformidade do fluxo assistencial. Os dados foram organizados em planilhas (Microsoft Excel® 2010) e analisados usando a estatística descritiva. Resultados A avaliação da estrutura obteve 80,3% de disponibilidade, resultando em classificação de alta disponibilidade e 91,1% de conformidade, obtendo conformidade adequada. O fluxo assistencial mostrou 72,7% de conformidade total; 9,1% de conformidade parcial e 18,2% de não cumprimento, configurando-se como alta conformidade. Conclusão A avaliação normativa indicou altas disponibilidade e conformidade em estrutura e fluxo assistencial nos cenários estudados.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la estructura y el flujo de asistencia de recepción, clasificación de riesgo y emergencia obstétrica, en una maternidad pública en el contexto del COVID-19. Métodos Estudio tipo evaluación normativa y observacional en los sectores de Recepción (clasificación de riesgo y emergencia obstétrica) de una maternidad pública en Rio de Janeiro. La recopilación de datos se realizó de junio a agosto de 2020 durante 480 de observación directa no participante, con registros sistematizados en una checklist con variables relacionadas con la disponibilidad y conformidad de los recursos estructurales y con la conformidad del flujo de asistencia. Los datos se organizaron en planillas (Microsoft Excel® 2010) y se analizaron usando la estadística descriptiva. Resultados La evaluación de la estructura obtuvo un 80,3 % de disponibilidad, que tuvo como resultado una clasificación de alta disponibilidad, y un 91,1 % de conformidad, con una conformidad adecuada. El flujo de asistencia mostró un 72,7 % de conformidad total, un 9,1 % de conformidad parcial y un 18,2 % de no cumplimiento, lo que se configura como alta conformidad. Conclusión La evaluación normativa indicó alta disponibilidad y alta conformidad en estructura y flujo de asistencia en los escenarios estudiados.

Abstract Objective Evaluate the structure and care flow - risk classification and obstetric emergency in a public maternity hospital in the context of COVID-19. Methods Normative and observational evaluation study in the Care sectors (Risk Classification and Obstetric Emergency) of a public maternity hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Data collection was carried out from June to August 2020 for 480 hours of non-participant direct observation, with records systematized in a checklist containing variables related to the availability and compliance of structural resources, and the compliance of the care flow. Data were organized into spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel® 2010) and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results The framework assessment scored 80.3% availability, resulting in a high availability rating, and 91.1% compliance, achieving adequate compliance. The care flow showed 72.7% of total compliance; 9.1% of partial compliance and 18.2% of non-compliance, configuring high compliance. Conclusion Normative evaluation indicated high availability and compliance in structure and care flow in the studied scenarios.

Monkeypox infection and pregnancy in lower and middle-income countries: Precautions & recommendations

Abstract Monkeypox (MPX), an orthopoxviral disease endemic in Africa, is now a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) as declared by the World Health Organization in July 2023. Although it is generally mild, the overall case fatality rate was reported to be 3%, and the basic reproduction number (R0) is > 1 in men who have sex with men (MSM, i.e., Portugal (1.4), the United Kingdom (1.6), and Spain (1.8)). However, R0 is < 1 in other settings. In concordance with the smallpox virus, it is also expected to increase the risk of adverse outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. The outcomes of the disease in an immunocompromised state of pregnancy are scary, showing high mortality and morbidity of both mother and fetus, with up to a 75% risk of fetal side effects and a 25% risk of severe maternal diseases. Therefore, it warrants timely diagnosis and intervention. The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) test is the standard approach to diagnosis. We summarized the recent findings of MPX on pregnancy, and the associated risk factors. We also give recommendations for active fetal surveillance, perinatal care, and good reporting to improve outcomes. The available vaccines have shown promise for primary disease prevention.

Prevention and treatment of obstetric infection in China: review and prospect / 中华围产医学杂志

With the development of perinatal medicine in China for more than 30 years, great progress has been made in the fight against infectious diseases associated with pregnancy, including better knowledge, improved clinical treatment, and more effective preventive measures. This article reviews and prospects the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in pregnancy in China from the four aspects: mother-to-child transmission of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, syphilis, and hepatitis B; toxoplasma, others, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus infection; influenza and novel coronavirus infection; and sepsis.

The expression of high mobility group protein 1 and interleukin-17 in peripheral blood and membrane tissues of pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes and its relationship with intrauterine infection / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the expression of high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) in peripheral blood and membrane tissues of pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and its relationship with intrauterine infection.Methods:Seventy-four pregnant women with PROM from January 2019 to June 2021 were selected as the study group, and 58 healthy pregnant women at the corresponding period were selected as the healthy control group. The levels of HMGB1 and IL-17 in peripheral blood and membrane tissues and serum CD 8+ were compared between the two groups. The pregnant women with PROM were divided into the chorioamnionitis group, subclinical chorioamnionitis group and normal group according to their intrauterine infection, the expression levels of HMGB1 and IL-17 in peripheral blood and membrane tissues of patients with different infection degrees were compared, and the correlation with the severity of intrauterine infection were analyzed. Results:The levels of peripheral blood HMGB1, membrane tissues HMGB1, peripheral blood IL-17, membrane tissues IL-17 and serum CD 8+ in the study group were higher than those in the control group: (28.34 ± 5.16) μg/L vs. (22.51 ± 4.09) μg/L, 0.79 ± 0.12 vs. 0.34 ± 0.05, (13.05 ± 2.57) ng/L vs. (8.16 ± 1.38) ng/L, 0.37 ± 0.06 vs. 0.12 ± 0.02, 0.386 ± 0.052 vs. 0.252 ± 0.044, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The levels of HMGB1 and IL-17 in peripheral blood and membrane tissues and serum CD 8+ were increased with the severity of severity of intrauterine infection ( P<0.05). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that the level of peripheral blood HMGB1, membrane tissues HMGB1 and IL-17 had positively correlated with the severity of intrauterine infection ( r = 0.336, 0.316, 0.311, P<0.05). The results of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that combined detection of HMGB1 and IL-17 levels in peripheral blood and membrane tissues and serum CD 8+ levels in evaluating the severity of intrauterine infection had higher area under the curve than that of each index alone ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Pregnant women with PROM have abnormal HMGB1 and IL-17 levels in peripheral blood and membrane tissues, and HMGB1 levels in peripheral blood and mRNA expressions of HMGB1 and IL-17 in membrane tissues are positively correlated with the severity of intrauterine infection, which has evaluation value for the severity of the disease.

Distribution and drug resistance of microbiota in gravidas with suspected infection / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the microbiota distribution and drug resistance in gravidas with suspected infection to provide a reference for the treatment of maternal infectious diseases.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed the distribution and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms isolated from obstetric patients in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University (Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital) from January 1, 2016. to December 31, 2019. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was used to identify pathogenic microorganisms. The susceptibility of isolated pathogenic bacteria to common antimicrobial agents was detected using bioMerieux VITEK-2 (France). Descriptive statistical methods was used. Results:A total of 4 086 strains were isolated from 3 781 samples of 3 225 gravidas and 44.17% (1 670) of the strains were from secretion specimens, including 767 cervical, 423 vulvovaginal, 318 perineum wound and 117 uterine secretion specimens. The most common bacterium was Escherichia coli (1 728, 42.29%), followed by Saccharomyces (901, 22.05%), Streptococcus (429, 10.50%), Enterococcus (377, 9.23%), and Staphylococcus (300, 7.34%). The proportion of Enterococcus among all the positive bacteria increased during the study period with its ranking rising from the 5th in 2016 to the 3rd in 2019, while the ranking of the proportion of Staphylococcus fell from the 4th in 2016 to the 5th in 2019. More than 90% of Escherichia coli were sensitive to carbapenems, piperacillin/tazobactam, amikacin, nitrofurantoin and ceftazidime, but only 35% or less to ampicillin and cefazolin. More than 98% of Candida strains were sensitive to amphotericin, but less than 56% to itraconazole. From 2016 to 2019, the sensitivity of Escherichia coli to cefuroxime sodium and ceftriaxone remained around 65%. The sensitive rate of Candida albicans to voriconazole and fluconazole gradually decreased from about 90% to 56%. The most common Enterococcus was Enterococcus faecalis and its susceptibility to vancomycin, ampicillin, penicillin, linezolid, nitrofurantoin and levofloxacin were all over 90%. Conclusions:Escherichia coli is the most common pathogenic microorganism in gravidas with suspected clinical infection and its susceptibility to cefuroxime sodium and ceftriaxone is stable. Candida albicans shows a gradually decreased susceptibility to voriconazole and fluconazole, which needs close attention. The proportion of Enterococcus in all pathogenic bacteria increases significantly over time, while that of Staphylococcus decreases.

Early recognition and management of sepsis during pregnancy and puerperium / 中华围产医学杂志

Sepsis and septic shock are obstetric emergencies, which bring clinical issues for obstetricians to pay attention to, such as early identification and emergency intervention before transferring the patients to intensive care. Physiological changes during pregnancy and puerperium result in difficulty in identifying the clinical features of sepsis. Simple bedside screening tools can be used for early identification and screening for possible sepsis. If initial sepsis screening is positive with suspected or evidence of infection, regardless of the presence of fever, further evaluation of organ damage is required for the diagnosis of sepsis. Bundle therapy should be initiated within 1 h after the identification of sepsis: For pregnant women or puerpera with suspected or confirmed sepsis, bacterial culture (blood, urine, respiratory tract, and other body fluids) and serum lactate level detection should be conducted promptly, moreover, empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics given within 1 h are recommended; For patients with sepsis complicated by hypotension or organ hypoperfusion, it is recommended to administer 1-2 L crystal solution as soon as possible for liquid resuscitation; For those with persistent hypotension and/or organ hypoperfusion despite fluid resuscitation, vasopressors are recommended to maintain mean arterial pressure ≥65 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), with norepinephrine as the first-line vasopressor. When sepsis is suspected or confirmed, the focus of infection should be actively sought to effectively control the source. Termination of pregnancy should be considered individually and comprehensively on the basis of obstetric indications, gestational age, and maternal and fetal conditions, but not depend on sepsis alone. If intrauterine infection is confirmed, pregnancy should be terminated immediately. Cesarean delivery usually requires general anesthesia for pregnant women with sepsis and intraspinal anesthesia is relatively contraindicated. The diagnosis and treatment of sepsis in pregnancy and puerperium should be individualized in accordance with the corresponding guidelines.

Progress in pathogenesis of perinatal group B streptococcal infection / 中华围产医学杂志

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of severe perinatal infection, stillbirth, premature delivery, and neonatal infectious diseases. Ascending infection after vaginal colonization is the main route of prenatal GBS transmission. The pathogenic mechanism of GBS from asymptomatic colonization to invasive infection mainly relates to virulence factors, the regulation of two-component systems and immune escape. This paper reviews progress in pathogenic mechanism of perinatal GBS infection in recent years, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of vaccines and new treatment approaches against GBS.

The use of convalescent plasma therapy in the management of a pregnant woman with COVID-19: a case report

ABSTRACT The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is responsible for the current worldwide pandemic. Treatment and prophylaxis are still under investigation. Convalescent plasma therapy could be an alternative. We report a case of a 41-year-old patient, at 28 weeks of gestation, was hospitalized with COVID-19. On the 10th day after onset of symptoms, the clinical picture worsened, and she required high-flow oxygen therapy (30L/minute), with 92% oxygen saturation, and chest X-ray showing mild bilateral opacities at lung bases. Blood tests showed D-dimer 1,004ng/mL, C-reactive protein 81mg/L, pro-calcitonin 0.05ng/mL and interleukine-6 42.9pg/mL. The therapy chosen was Tazocin® 12g/day, vancomycin 2g/day, and methylprednisolone 40mg/day. In addition, convalescent plasma therapy was administered (275mL) uneventfully, including SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and neutralizing antibodies >1:160. The patient had a fast recovery. The early administration of convalescent plasma, with high titers of neutralizing antibodies, may be an alternative option for severe COVID-19 during pregnancy, until further studies demonstrate an efficient and safe treatment or prophylaxis.

Diseases during pregnancy in a large unselected South American sample / Prevalência de doenças durante a gravidez em uma grande amostra sul-americana não selecionada

ABSTRACT Objective: Our aim was to describe the prevalence of diseases during pregnancy and the association between fetal exposure to the most frequent maternal diseases and the risk of preterm (PTB) and/or small for gestational age (SGA) newborns in an unselected sample of women who gave birth in South American countries. Methods: We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study including 56,232 mothers of non-malformed infants born between 2002 and 2016, using data from the Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECLAMC). Diseases with higher- than-expected PTB/SGA frequencies were identified. Odds ratios of confounding variables for diseases and birth outcomes were calculated with a multivariable logistic regression. Results: Of the 14 most reported diseases, hypertension, genitourinary infection, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS showed higher PTB and/or SGA frequencies. Advanced and low maternal age, previous fetal loss, low socioeconomic level, and African-American ancestry were associated with PTB, while advanced maternal age, primigravidity, previous fetal loss, low socioeconomic level, and African-American ancestry were associated with SGA. After adjusting for the associated variables, the identified illnesses maintained their association with PTB and all, except epilepsy, with SGA. Conclusion: The description of an unselected population of mothers allowed identifying the most frequent diseases occurring during gestation and their impact on pregnancy outcomes. Six diseases were associated with PTB and two with SGA newborns. To the best of our knowledge, there are no similar reports about women not intentionally selected by specific diseases during pregnancy in South American populations.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a prevalência de doenças durante a gravidez e a associação entre a exposição fetal às doenças maternas mais prevalentes e o risco de recém-nascidos prematuros (PP) e/ou pequenos para a idade gestacional (PIG) em uma amostra não selecionada de mulheres que deram à luz em países da América do Sul. Métodos: Estudo descritivo transversal que incluiu 56.232 mães de crianças não malformadas nascidas entre 2002 e 2016, utilizando dados do Estudo Colaborativo Latino-americano de Malformações Congênitas (ECLAMC). Foram identificadas as doenças com maior número de casos observado/esperado de PP/PIG. O esperado foi obtido dos controles sem doenças. Odds ratios para variáveis de confusão de doença e eventos ao nascimento foram calculadas usando regressão logística multivariada. Resultados: Das 14 doenças mais referidas, hipertensão, infecção geniturinária, epilepsia, hipotireoidismo, diabetes e HIV/AIDS apresentaram maiores frequências de PP e/ou PIG. Idade materna nos dois extremos, perda fetal prévia, baixo nível socioeconômico e ascendência afro-americana foram associados a PP, enquanto idade materna avançada, primigravidez, perda fetal prévia, baixo nível socioeconômico e ascendência afro-americana foram associados a PIG. Após ajuste para as variáveis associadas, as doenças identificadas mantiveram associação com PP e todas, exceto epilepsia, com PIG. Conclusão: A descrição de uma população não selecionada de gestantes possibilitou identificar as doenças mais frequentes e seu impacto nos resultados adversos na gravidez. Seis doenças foram associadas a PP e duas a recém-nascidos PIG. Até onde sabemos, não há relatos semelhantes sobre mulheres não selecionadas intencionalmente por doenças específicas durante a gravidez em populações sul-americanas.

Trend analysis of clinical aspects of congenital syphilis in Brazil, 2009-2018

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Congenital syphilis is caused by the vertical transmission of bacteria, Treponema pallidum, from nontreated or inappropriately treated pregnant to the fetus. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical aspects of Congenital syphilis in Brazil, between 2009-2018. METHOD: It is an analytical cross-sectional study whose data were collected from the Department of Chronical Conditions and Sexually Transmitted Infections of Brazilian Health Ministry. Clinical variables were analyzed using the software Joinpoint Regression, which makes a segmented linear regression. RESULTS: In the study period, 156,969 cases of Congenital syphilis and 1642 deaths by this disease were reported. The trend analysis indicates growing in diagnosis of maternal syphilis during prenatal care, appropriate treatment of pregnant, realization of prenatal care, maternal partner treatment, diagnosis of syphilis in children under seven days, and diagnosis of recent syphilis. CONCLUSIONS: Although the trend analysis presents relative improvement in Congenital syphilis panorama in Brazil, the disease still related to high numbers of evitable perinatal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the prenatal assistance with quality is fundamental to have a possible change in this field in the country.

Effect of screening and treatment of syphilis among pregnant women on prevention of intrauterine syphilis transmission in Nantong City, 2012-2019 / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the intrauterine transmission of syphilis in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2019, after the introduction of a nationwide policy for preventing intrauterine transmission of syphilis in China in 2011.Methods:This study enrolled all live birth deliveries ( n=455 561) in Nantong from January 2012 to December 2019. The screening, infection rates, anti-syphilis treatment, intrauterine transmission of syphilis, and outcomes of infants with congenital syphilis were retrospectively analyzed using χ 2 test for trend, adjusted χ 2 test, or Fisher's exact test. Results:Except for three women, the remaining 455 558 subjects were all screened for syphilis antibody with a total screening rate of nearly 100%, among which prenatal screening accounted for 96.4% (439 125/455 561) and intrapartum screening for 3.6% (16 433/455 561). In total, 796 (0.17%) women were diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy, and the prevalence increased from 0.13% (85/64 229) in 2012 to 0.24% (110/45 517) in 2019 (χ 2trend=48.985, P<0.001). The prevalence among women underwent intrapartum screening was significantly higher than those underwent prenatal screening [0.50% (82/16 433) vs 0.16% (714/439 125), χ 2=102.769, P<0.001]. Out of the women with syphilis, 716 (89.9%) received anti-syphilis therapy with 695 cases using penicillin, 16 cases using ceftriaxone and five using erythromycin/azithromycin, while the remaining 80 (10.1%) did not. Intrauterine transmission of syphilis occurred in 14 infants with a transmission rate of 1.8% (14/796). The reported rate of congenital syphilis in all live infants was 0.03‰ (14/460 552). The intrauterine transmission rate in women receiving treatment during pregnancy was significantly lower than that in the untreated women [0.4% (3/716) vs 13.8% (11/80), χ2=66.499, P<0.001]. For the untreated women, the intrauterine transmission rate increased with the rising titers of non-specific syphilis antibody ( χ2trend=5.338, P=0.021). Among infants with congenital syphilis, no obvious adverse outcomes occurred in three infants born to treated mothers, whereas the rates of preterm birth and neonatal death were 7/11 and 2/11 in those born to untreated mothers. Conclusions:Since the implementation of the policy against intrauterine transmission of syphilis, the reported rate of congenital syphilis is 3/100 000 live-birth in Nantong City, reaching the national target of below 15/100 000. Screening and treatment in the first trimester are critical for preventing intrauterine transmission of syphilis. Increased prenatal syphilis screening rate can help further reduction of the intrauterine transmission of syphilis.

Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in pregnancy: analysis of nine cases / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the clinical characteristics and pregnant outcomes of gravidae with COVID-19.@*Methods@#This study involved nine gravidae with COVID-19 admitted to the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 22 to February 1, 2020. Their clinical data, including epidemiological history, clinical symptoms, laboratory examinations, chest CT, treatment, delivery mode, and pregnancy outcomes, were analyzed retrospectively. Descriptive analysis was applied in this study.@*Results@#(1) Among the nine cases, five were admitted in the third trimester and four in the second trimester. The median incubation period of COVID-19 was 8 (1-14) d. Fever was presented in all cases on admission, and the other commonly seen symptoms were cough (seven cases) and diarrhea (five cases). Other signs and symptoms were also reported, including shortness of breath, myalgia and fatigue (four cases in each), nasal obstruction, pharyngalgia, chest pain, and headache/dizziness (three cases in each), rash (two cases), and chills and expectoration (one case in each). The most common laboratory abnormalities were a decreased number of lymphocytes (seven cases) and elevated C-reactive protein (six cases). Chest CT scans were performed in seven women, and all showed patchy areas or ground-glass opacity in both lungs. Oligohydramnios was detected in only one case at 37+5 weeks, which was 7 d after the diagnosis of COVID-19. (2) All nine cases received empiric antibiotic and antiviral therapy with Chinese medicine as adjuvant treatment. Eight patients required oxygen inhalation, and seven were treated with glucocorticoid. One case received immunotherapy due to worsening conditions. (3) Four of the nine cases had delivered, including three cesarean sections and one spontaneous vaginal preterm birth after premature rupture of membranes, and the mother was transferred to the intensive care unit 2 d after delivery due to acute respiratory distress syndrome. One case was terminated at 26 gestational weeks. Of the four neonates, there were two term and two premature babies, and one preterm babies was small-for-gestational-age. No neonatal asphyxia was observed. Serial real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed negative results in the detection of 2019-novel coronavirus in all samples obtained from amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, neonatal nasopharynx, breast milk, and vagina. Maternal conditions were all stable in all cases, including the four continuing pregnancy, and the terminated ones, except the case mentioned above.@*Conclusions@#There is no distinguishable clinical feature between pregnant and non-pregnant COVID-19 patients. Currently, the evidence for vertical transmission of COVID-19 needs further studies with larger size of examples, but pregnancy may deteriorate COVID-19. Given that COVID-19 may have adverse effects on perinatal outcomes, it's recommended to take positive and effective measures for COVID-19 women in the third trimester.

Asymptomatic COVID-19 infection in pregnant woman in the third trimester: a case report / 中华围产医学杂志

We report a case of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection in a pregnant woman in the third trimester with good maternal and infant outcomes. The patient was admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Hefei on February 11, 2020, because of a "positive novel coronavirus nucleic acid test result for one day" at 38 weeks of gestation. No abnormality was observed during her previous regular prenatal examinations. A throat swab sample was obtained from the patient four days before admission due to the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in her husband and sister on the 14th and 7th day before her admission, and the new coronavirus nucleic acid test showed positive. The patient reported no discomfort before admission. Chest CT on the 3rd after admission showed a small amount of bilateral pleural effusion. Irregular contractions occurred three days after admission and labor was considered to be imminent. An emergency cesarean section was performed and the patient delivered a live baby girl. No tests were performed on amniotic fluid, cord blood or placenta for new coronavirus nuclei acid. The patient was isolated from the infant without breastfeeding after surgery. All medical staff involved in the cesarean section were isolated after surgery. Neonatal peripheral blood and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for the new coronavirus nucleic acid tests on the day of birth and one day of age respectively, and nasopharyngeal swabs and anal suabs were taken at nine days after birth. All test results were negative. The patient recovered well after surgery with stable vital signs. Chest CT on the 8th after operation showed a small amount of bilateral pleural effusion, while the new coronavirus nucleic acid test results of the pharyngeal swabs were positive on the 11th and 12th day after operation. The throat swabs of all medical staff involved in the operation were negative 14 days after the operation. The mother and baby were discharged 14 days after the Cesarean section.

How to obtain evidence of vertical transmission in viral infected pregnant women: Reflection on COVID-19 epidemic / 中华围产医学杂志

During the COVID-19 epidemic, there have been many misconceptions concerning vertical transmission between the mother and fetus/baby, which has caused much discussion and controversy. However, there is no strong evidence to indicate that this novel coronavirus could be vertically transmitted from infected mothers to their fetuses/infants. Several easily confused concepts are clarified in this paper, including vertical transmission, intrauterine transmission, mother-to-infant transmission, intrapartum or postpartum transmission. Well-designed protocols and a disciplined research team are essential for both basic and clinical research, in order to contribute to obtaining more scientific evidence for better understanding of the characteristics of this novel coronavirus. Proper handling and disposal of the body fluids and tissue are critical for safety. We highlight the significant value of relevant research, and suggest future research directions, such as investigating the impact of COVID-19 in different trimesters. Furthermore, China has the most experience of treating pregnant women exposed to the COVID-19 virus, and it would be a great service to the rest of the world, for all centers in China to collaborate to report this collective experience.

Asymptomatic COVID-19 in pregnant woman with typical chest CT manifestation: a case report / 中华围产医学杂志

We report a case of maternal asymptomatic COVID-19 in a patient with typical CT image of pneumonia in the third trimester, and both the mother and baby were well. The patient, a 30-year-old female, was transferred to Yichun People's Hospital at 37 +3 gestational weeks because of a positive 2019 novel coronavirus nucleic acid result over seven hours. Her husband and mother-in-law were diagnosed with COVID-19 eight days before her admission and on the same day, respectively. The patient reported no discomfort before admission, and there were no abnormalities in the prenatal course during her pregnancy. On February 13 (the second day of admission), a patchy blurred shadow was observed in the lower lobe of the right lung in chest CT scan, and a live baby girl was delivered by a precaution-based emergent cesarean section because of suspected fetal distress shown in electrical fetal heart monitoring. Both the mother and the newborn were isolated separately after the operation without etiological examination of amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, placenta, etc. All the medical staff involved in the cesarean section were isolated as well. The mother was healthy and remained asymptomatic after delivery, while antiviral and anti-inflammatory treatment was offered. COVID-19 nucleic acid tests of pharyngeal swab were negative on the 4 th and 6 th day after operation. Chest CT on the 5 th day after delivery showed inflammation in the lower lobe of the right lung, and reexamination on the 8 th day showed a slight absorption of the inflammation. Samples of peripheral blood and pharynx swab were obtained from the newborn on the day of birth and four and seven days after birth and novel coronavirus nucleic acid test were all negative. The mother and baby dyad were discharged nine days after operation. And novel coronavirus nucleic acid tests were all negative in all medical staff involved.

Death of a neonate born to a critically ill mother with COVID-19: a case report / 中华围产医学杂志

We report a critically ill pregnant woman in the third trimester with severe pneumonia due to COVID-19 who presented to Xiaolan People's Hospital of Zhongshan in February 2020. The 32-year-old patient was admitted at 35 +2 gestational weeks with a 4-day history of a sore throat and a fever for three hours. The patient had been to Xiaogan City, Hubei Province, and the symptoms occurred during a period of self-isolation after back home. The condition of the patient deteriorated rapidly, with left-sided chest and back pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, progressing to respiratory failure and septic shock 7 hours after her admission. In view of her critical condition and a history of two previous cesarean sections, an emergency cesarean section was performed. Blood gas analysis of the mother before the operation suggested respiratory failure, respiratory acidosis, and metabolic acidosis. During the operation, a baby boy was born. The Apgar score of the boy, birth weight of 2 700 g, was one at 1, 5 and 10 minutes despite the resuscitation efforts. The neonate died after withdrawing treatment. The patient was treated with tracheal intubation ventilator and other supportive treatments after the operation. The result of the new coronavirus nucleic acid test, taken on admission, but which was reported after delivery, was positive. The patient was transferred to the designated hospital for further treatment and was recovering with the withdrawal of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and ventilation support at 26 and 36 days after surgery, respectively.

Vaginal delivery after 37 days of a convalescent pregnant woman with COVID-19: a case report / 中华围产医学杂志

We present a case report of a healthy neonate born by vaginal delivery to a woman who had recovered from COVID-19 after 37 days of discharge. The pregnant woman had fever, cough, and chills at 33 +1 gestational weeks and was diagnosed with COVID-19 by coronavirus nucleic acid test one day later. She recovered and was discharged after a series of treatment, and the 2019 novel coronavirus nucleic acid test and pulmonary CT were negative at the 2nd and 4th weeks after being discharged. The patient was admitted in early labor at 38 +4 gestational weeks and delivered a healthy newborn vaginally at that day. Both the mother and the baby were in good condition. All the maternal or neonatal specimens taken immediately after birth in the delivery room for 2019 novel coronavirus nucleic acid tests were negative, including the maternal pharynx, rectal and cervical secretions, amniotic fluid, an neonatal pharynx and rectal swabs. The qualitative examination of 2019 novel coronavirus antibodies in the maternal venous blood test showed that both IgG and IgM were positive. While the same test for neonatal cord blood and femoral vein blood showed negative results. No inflammatory reaction was found in the placenta and immunohistochemistry detection of novel coronavirus N protein was negative. The mother and newborn were observed postnatally and treated in the same ward, neither of them had fever, cough or fatigue, and were discharged three days after delivery. The qualitative examination of 2019 novel coronavirus antibodies (IgM and IgG) in the femoral vein blood of the nenonate 27 days old showed negative results.

Prevalence of rectovaginal colonization by group B Streptococcus in pregnant women seen at prenatal care program of a health organization / Prevalência de colonização retovaginal por estreptococo do grupo B em gestantes de programa de atendimento pré-natal de instituição de saúde

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the prevalence of group B Streptococci in pregnant women of a corporate health program, as well as the epidemiological correlations. Methods This retrospective study used medical records of patients who participated of the prenatal care program at a private hospital in the city of São Paulo (SP), Brazil, from 2015 to 2016. Those who abandoned the program or had incomplete data in their medical records were excluded. Quantitative variables were described by means, standard deviations, median, minimal and maximal values. Parity and socioeconomic status were described by absolute frequency and percentages. We used logistic regression models in the software (SPSS) to analyze correlations of variables according to vaginal-rectal culture, considering a 95%CI and p-values. Variables were age, number of pregnancies, weight gain in pregnancy and gestational age at delivery. Results A total of 347 medical records were included, and after applying the exclusion criteria, 287 medical records composed the final sample. Patients' age ranged between 17 and 44 years. Mean age was 30.6 years, 67 patients had positive result for group B Streptococcus (prevalence of 23.3%; 95%CI: 18.7-28.5). Conclusion Considering the high prevalence of group B Streptococcus in our service, the antibiotic prophylaxis strategy based on rectovaginal culture screening approach seems to be cost-effective.

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar a prevalência de estreptococo do grupo B entre gestantes que frequentaram um programa de saúde corporativa, bem como as correlações com a colonização positiva. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo dos prontuários do pré-natal de um hospital privado em São Paulo, no período de 2015 a 2016. Foram excluídas as mulheres que abandonaram o programa ou apresentavam dados incompletos nos prontuários. As variáveis quantitativas foram descritas por média, desvios padrão, mediana, valores mínimos e máximos. A paridade e a condição socioeconômica foram descritos por frequência absoluta e percentagens. Utilizamos modelos de regressão logística no programa (SPSS) para analisar as correlações de variáveis de acordo com a cultura retovaginal, considerando IC95% e valores de p. As variáveis foram idade, número de gestações, peso ganho na gestação e idade gestacional no parto. Resultados Foram incluídos 347 prontuários e, após a aplicação dos critérios de exclusão, 287 prontuários compuseram a amostra final. A idade dos pacientes variou entre 17 e 44 anos. A média de idade foi de 30,6 anos, e 67 pacientes tiveram resultado positivo para o estreptococo do grupo B (prevalência de 23,3%; IC95%: 18,7-28,5). Conclusão Considerando a alta prevalência de estreptococos do grupo B em nosso serviço, existem evidências de que a estratégia de antibiótico profilaxia baseada na cultura retovaginal é custo-efetiva.

Clinical analysis of 26 cases of maternal or neonatal listeriosis / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective@#To improve clinical management of maternal and neonatal listeriosis through analyzing the clinical characteristics and antibiotic treatment.@*Methods@#A retrospective analysis of 26 cases of listeriosis, including their demographic and clinical features, was conducted, involving 16 pregnant women from Civil Aviation General Hospital, Xiamen Humanity Hospital, Tongzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Beijing, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, the Fourth Hospital of Tianshui City from October, 2011 to May, 2018, and 10 newborns from the Fourth Hospital of Tianshui City, Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital from February, 2016 to April 2018. Descriptive methods were used for data analysis.@*Results@#(1) Among the 16 gravidas, one, five and 10 developed the infection in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, respectively, and eight had pregnancy complications. Furthermore, all of them developed fever [(38.9±0.5) ℃]. Symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, dizziness, headache and other flu-like symptoms were observed in six cases. Gastrointestinal symptoms and flu-like symptoms were presented in four. Fetal distress, tachycardia and decreased fetal movement occurred in 11 cases. Elevated C-reactive protein and white blood cell count were detected in 16 and 14, respectively. Eight underwent placental pathological examination which shown various degrees of pathological changes, including neutrophil infiltration, acute chorioamnionitis and inflammatory necrosis. The main empirical antibiotic treatment for the 16 patients was cephalosporins and only four covered Listeria monocytogenes. Only two delivered at term, while the others (14/16) ended in miscarriage, premature delivery or stillbirth. (2) Among the 10 newborns with listeriosis, there were eight early-onset infections and two late-onset infections. All of them were febrile [(38.6±0.6)℃]. Six had cyanosis, groaning, foaming and three concave sign; five showed shortness of breath; meningitis and skin rash were found in one, respectively. All had elevated white blood cell and C-reactive protein. Six received antibiotics covering Listeria monocytogenes during the initial empirical treatment. Four were treated with cephalosporins alone, one of which died after the treatment was withdrawn. One was cured by initial treatment with meropenem alone, while eight recovered after adjustment of treatment with ampicillin, penicillin, meropenem, vancomycin alone, or meropenem combined with ampicillin or vancomycin. (3) The isolates that were susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin and meropenem accounted for 96.1% (25/26) all together and 88.5% (23/26) were susceptible to compound sulfamethoxazole.@*Conclusions@#There is no specific clinical manifestations of maternal or neonatal listeriosis. Maternal listeriosis is often characterized by acute onset and high incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.